Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Peace


Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” I know of no other promise like this. All religions promise that if you do such and so you earn favor with the power that is, but Jesus alone makes this exceptional promise, “I will give you peace.” He doesn’t base this on what we do but on Who He is. He alone claims the power to calm our fears in a way the world cannot. In all the turmoil that surrounds us, Jesus promises peace.
We indeed live in a time of turmoil, the likes of which few of us have ever seen. World events seem to be crashing down upon us with increasing occurrences. Natural catastrophes, economic uncertainty, and political unrest are increasing every day. While such things have always been with us throughout history, it appears that so many things are coming together at one time. The recent events in Japan, the weakening of the U.S. dollar and the political unrest in the Middle East give us a strong sense of uncertainty. Many, and not just the crackpots, are predicting impending doom if things don’t change in a hurry.
In the middle of all this, we must live our daily lives. What are we to do, and where ought we to live, and what jobs ought we to take, to best insulate us from coming current disasters? Even when we follow the best of advice from the best of advisors, we are left with a feeling of uneasiness. Nothing is certain in our uncertain world. This is where Jesus’ words loom so large. “Peace, I give.”
We can follow the best advice experts can give, but we can’t predict what will happen next. However in the middle of it all, Jesus makes this promise to untrouble our troubled hearts. This does not mean that believers in Christ will not have difficulties. Just look around us. The troubling times we live in are indiscriminant. Believers in Christ go through the same difficulties as those who do not accept
His name. However, we have this promise and more. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He promises us to make our burden light (Matthew 11:30). In this world of uncertainty, Jesus promises us peace.
This writer has seen enough to be able to testify to the truth of Jesus’ promise. I’ve observed His people in times of trouble. Yet for many, to face their problems without the One Who promises to keep us in His hand, seems so unthinkable. I’ve seen mistakes and wrong decisions, yet Jesus has been there to help pick up the pieces and restore the broken lives of those who turn to Him.
In this world of uncertainty, there is no certainty but this: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (john 3:16).” We can wait until science proves or disproves the existence of God, we can argue which
God is the one to follow , or we can simply put the God of the Bible to the test by receiving Him into our lives, calling on His name and seeing His promise come to pass. Peace.

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